Heart Failure

What is heart failure?Heart failure is one of the most prevalent diagnoses today, as more people survive heart attacks and are left with residual heart problems. Heart failure is a condition that develops when the heart muscle becomes weakened after it is injured from something like a heart attack or high blood pressure. The heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body's needs. Heart failure affects nearly 5 million Americans, and an estimated 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from symptoms of heart failure, remember FACES.

F for fatigue A for activities limited C for chest congestion E for edema or ankle swelling S for shortness of breath

What are the treatment options for heart failure?People suffering from Heart Failure can usually be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Heart failure is a progressive disease that can worsen over time without treatment. Sometimes, surgery is needed to treat heart failure. Some surgeries involve removal of damaged heart muscle, repair of damaged valves, or surgery to correct blocked arteries. In other situations, heart failure can be treated with a pacemaker device that is implanted to improve the timing and strength of the heart beat.